Alpine’s shock decision to replace Esteban Ocon in Abu Dhabi has become a major talking point. Despite the criticism Alpine have received for prematurely kicking Ocon out, team principal Oliver Oakes insists “we have to move on.”
Alpine criticise Ocon’s performance in recent events
In the early stages of the season, Esteban Ocon was comfortably Alpine’s top performer.
The Frenchman had a decisive advantage in race and qualifying head-t0-heads against teammate Pierre Gasly, leading the team during a difficult period.
However, Ocon’s campaign went off track after his incident with Gasly at the Monaco GP.
Aside from a stand-out podium in Brazil, Ocon has generally been unhappy with the handling and overall performance of his A524.
After qualifying in Qatar, he refused to rule out there was some disparity in his treatment compared to his teammate.
With Alpine choosing to replace him before the season finale, the relationship between both parties has evidently fallen apart.
Oliver Oakes: “We are not just here for Esteban”
Speaking to l’equipe in Abu Dhabi, Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes did not pull his punched on the driver situation.
Alpine are “not here to be nice,” claims the British engineer.
“I don’t agree with what I’ve read about how we’ve treated Esteban. But either way… we’re here to race.
“At the end of the day, he’s going to drive for another team – and I’m only concerned about Alpine. We have to move on.”
Oakes continued by explaining that Ocon’s performance in recent events justifies the decision to replace him:
“We kept our word and he will be able to test with Haas. We are acting in the interest of the team, we are not just here for Esteban…
“It will also be good for Esteban in view of 2025 to be able to build relationships with the people he will be working with next year.
“And without being mean, his contribution to the team has been limited recently. He scored few points and was often eliminated in Q1.”
Another driver leaves Alpine on negative terms
Even before these statements from the Alpine team principal, the decision to replace Ocon so abruptly was not well received.
These recent quotes only confirm the Enstone team’s cut-throat attitude towards its drivers – something which has been evident since the days of Alonso and Piastri in 2022.
Although there are reasons for Alpine to be positive about their late season trajectory, their proclivity towards unnecessary controversy is not a beneficial trait.
In the context of the last few seasons, any driver joining the French team should be weary of their long-term position.
Constant changes in leadership and failed five-year plans have made a team full of potential immensely volatile.
Despite appointing a new team principal and making the switch to Mercedes power for 2026, the same persistent themes seem to be present at Team Enstone.
As the field becomes more competitive, with new teams and manufacturers joining the grid, it remains to be seen whether Alpine are capable of keeping up and holding their own.
